Juanita Hignojos Marquez

Juanita Hignojoz Marquez

 May 16, 1929 – October 1, 2025

Juanita Hignojoz Marquez, 96, of Pecos, Texas, entered into eternal rest surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 16, 1929, in Colorado, Texas, Juanita was the beloved twin sister of Nancy, arriving just five minutes earlier to their proud parents, Petronillo and Benita Hignojoz. She was the one of six children and, with her passing, has now been reunited with all her siblings in heaven.

Juanita married the love of her life, Elias Marquez, on October 18, 1948, and together they made Pecos their lifelong home. And until Elias’s passing, they built a family rooted in love, faith, and tradition. A devoted homemaker, Juanita was known for her welcoming home, her incredible cooking, and her role as the matriarch of the Marquez family. Her home was always filled with the aromas of her meals and the laughter of children and grandchildren. She carried a strength and grace that will remain a guiding light for all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Elias Marquez; her grandsons Ernest “Bugu” Bustillos, Jr., Leonardo “Leo” Marquez, and Ernest Wright, Jr.; her son-in-law Ernest “Neto” Bustillos, Sr.; and her stepson Ruben Salas, Sr.

Left to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy are her beloved children: Becky Bustillos (late Ernest), Ernest Marquez (Olga Flores), Diana Marquez, Tony Marquez, Patricia Zermeno (Mario), Ester Marquez, Annabel Marquez (Efrain), Jessie Ballard (Alan), and Angelica Marquez (Marisela).

She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her love and memory forward for generations to come.

Juanita will be remembered for her resilience, faith, her family-centered life, and her ability to bring everyone together. Her family takes comfort knowing she has been joyfully reunited with her husband, grandchildren, and loved ones who went before her.

Services to honor Juanita’s life will be held at Pecos Funeral Home, with a rosary on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:00 pm, followed by a funeral mass on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Santa Rosa Church, and interment at Mt. Evergreen cemetery. Pall bearers will be Pam Bustillos, Isaiah Marquez, Nicholas Nunez, Ellis Marquez, Alex Marquez, Ezra Zermeno and Elias Ballard.

The Marquez family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers, love, and support during this time.